United News of Bangladesh

Adviser and Spokesperson to the Prime Minister’s Office Mahdi Amin on Saturday highlighted Bangladesh’s investment potential, ongoing reforms and a business-friendly environment, encouraging US investment across key sectors. He made the remarks while speaking at a function in the city. The American Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh (AmCham) and the U.S. Embassy in Bangladesh, jointly hosted the commemorative event, celebrating the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence. The milestone highlighted two and a half centuries of American freedom and reaffirmed the enduring Bangladesh-US partnership, underscoring strong bilateral ties and shared commitment to economic cooperation and people-to-people engagement. In his welcome remarks, Syed Mohammad Kamal, President of AmCham, emphasised opportunities to expand bilateral trade and investment and reiterated AmCham’s commitment to strengthening the business environment for U.S. investors. US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to deepening economic collaboration and recognised AmCham’s role in advancing commercial ties. The event also featured a cultural segment showcasing American music, reflecting shared values and cultural exchange between the two nations. Ala Ahmad, Vice President of AmCham and CEO of MetLife Bangladesh, expressed appreciation to all partners and participants. Moderated by Paul Frost, Commercial Counsellor, U.S. Embassy in Dhaka and Reza Ur Rahman Mahmud, Treasurer of AmCham, the event brought together senior government officials, diplomats, business leaders, and media, reflecting the depth and diversity of the Bangladesh-US partnership.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said on Saturday that the Awami League has suffered a complete political downfall, claiming the party has been “destroyed and eliminated” and is now “buried in Delhi.” He further asserted that the party will no longer be able to participate in Bangladesh’s political process in the future. The Home Minister made the remarks at a discussion meeting of the July National Conference-2026 on Saturday, marking the second anniversary of the July Revolution. The conference was held at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center under the joint initiative of the July '24 Martyrs' Families Society and the Central Executive Committee of Amra July Joddha (We Are July Fighters)'. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman was the chief guest at the event. “The UN report says 14,000 cases, but officially, in various newspapers and surveys, only 700 to 800 accounts are available. Where did the rest go? Because the hospitals could not preserve the records of the martyrs, even their documents have disappeared. They were buried as unclaimed bodies. Today, we cannot return them to their relatives after searching for their graves. After such a brutal murder, after the genocide, there is still no apology from the mass murderer Sheikh Hasina. They are labeling the July fighters as criminals; they are labeling this mass uprising in Bangladesh as militant. In Bangladesh, their state power has been seized through militancy. There is nothing more shameful than this,” the Home Minister said. “There is no apology within the Awami League. They do not have the condition to admit guilt; they do not have that history either. On the contrary, they are sitting abroad and now conspiring against the democratic government in Bangladesh in various ways.” “The Awami League has fallen politically; it has been politically destroyed and eliminated. It has been buried in Delhi. That Awami League will never be able to do politics in Bangladesh again.” AL must face trial The Home Minister said that everyone has demanded the trial of the Awami League as a political party. The investigation is ongoing. Very soon, it will be taken to trial as a political party. “The law has been amended according to Article 47 of the Constitution. It is included in the Anti-Terrorism Act and the ICT Act that political parties can be tried. So wait.” Salahuddin has said that those who are taking political advantage of the spirit of the July Revolution and “selling it” will face consequences in the future. He requested, “I ask those organising this event today that none of us should profit from the spirit of this July. Those who organise political groups in various ways to exploit the spirit of the July Revolution for political gain will face consequences in the future. But history is like that.” Referring to the consequences of the fascist Awami League, Salahuddin said, “Those who used to sell the spirit of the 1971 Liberation War are sitting in Delhi today selling their spirit. The people of Bangladesh overthrew them. Therefore, selling the spirit for political advantage is not good.” He said, “We will preserve the history of the great July 24 mass uprising; we will preserve the memory.” The Home Minister said, “I would like to reveal some behind-the-scenes stories today. Both my leader Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and I were exiled. By the grace of Allah, if we had not been exiled, successfully completing an uprising like this July would not have been possible.” Status of the July genocide trial The Home Minister said, “Five genocide and crimes against humanity cases have already been decided. There are 27 cases under trial, and 72 cases are almost at the final stage of investigation.” He added that the latest verdict in the trial of a fascist ally named Hasanul Haq Inu has been delivered. “I have heard that the plaintiff is not satisfied with only a 10-year sentence, so it will be appealed,” he said. We can hope that in those cases, justice will be delivered so that he receives the maximum sentence.” Jatiya Sangsad Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni chaired the event. Law Minister Md. Asaduzzaman, Housing and Public Works Minister Zakaria Taher, Liberation War Affairs Minister Ahmed Azam Khan, State Minister Ishraq Hossain, Additional Press Secretary to the Prime Minister Atiqur Rahman Rumon, Chhatra Dal President Rakibul Islam Rakib, President of the Private Universities Student Party Abu Huraira, President of Qawmi Student Forum Maulana Jamil Siddiqui, President of the organising body ‘Amra July Joddha’ Aminul Islam Emon, also spoke. Abu Hossain, brother of martyr Abu Sayed; Abul Hossain, father of martyr Shahriar Hossain Alvi; Fatematuzzohra, mother of martyr Abdullah bin Zahid; Shafiul Alam, father of martyr Wasim Akram; and Abdur Rab Mia, father of martyr Miraj Hossain from Jatrabari, commemorated the children who were martyred in the July Revolution.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday directed officials to expedite the process of reopening loss-making and closed state-owned factories through local and foreign investment. He gave the directive at a meeting at the Prime Minister's Office to review the progress of the initiative, said PM’s Deputy Press Secretary Hasan Shiplu. The meeting was informed that a number of private companies expressed interest in investing in the factories. PM pledges justice for July victims, warns against injustice in its name The proposals submitted by the companies to set up different industrial units will now undergo feasibility studies. The Prime Minister stressed the need to complete the entire process in a transparent manner. He also instructed the authorities to avoid unnecessary delays and instead complete the process as quickly as possible. Commerce, Industries, Jute and Textiles Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir, State Minister for Jute and Textiles Shariful Alam, Prime Minister's Adviser on Finance and Planning Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) Executive Chairman Ashik Chowdhury, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister ABM Abdus Sattar, secretaries of the relevant ministries and senior officials of organisations under the Ministry of Industries attended the meeting, which was chaired by the Prime Minister.

Agriculture, and also Fisheries and Livestock Minister Mohammad Amin Ur Rashid on Saturday said ensuring fair prices of agricultural products produced by farmers is one of the government's top priorities. The farmers' interests would be protected by bringing production, incentives, subsidies and market management under an integrated framework through a farmer card programme, he said. The minister made the remarks, while addressing a views-exchange with officials of the Department of Fisheries, the Department of Livestock Services and other agencies under the agriculture ministry at the Chittagong Circuit House, said a PID handout here. He said the government, led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, believes that strengthening farmers' economic condition is essential for building a stronger national economy. To achieve this goal, the government is implementing programmes to modernise the agriculture, fisheries and livestock sectors through planned and technology-driven management, while boosting production, improving marketing and ensuring better incomes for farmers. The Agriculture Minister called upon officials to implement government policies, plans and directives properly. He warned that those who fail to keep pace with the government's work and performance would be held accountable. The minister said an integrated digital database of farmers is being developed through the farmer card programme. Following the successful completion of a pilot project, the initiative will be expanded gradually to cover marginal, small and other farmers across the country. The programme will help identify genuine farmers, facilitate the direct distribution of government incentives and subsidies, take production planning and make agricultural marketing more efficient and transparent, he said. State Minister for Land and CHT affairs Mir Mohammed Helal Uddin, Fisheries and Livestock Secretary Md Delwar Hossain, Director General of the Department of Fisheries Dr Md Khaled kanak, Director of Local Government Division (Chattogram) Monowara Begum and Deputy Commissioner of Chattogram Mohammad Zahidul Islam Miah were present.

Dengue has evolved from a seasonal threat into a year-round public health challenge in Bangladesh, prompting health experts, researchers and government officials to call for stronger coordination, evidence-based interventions and greater public participation to curb the spread of the mosquito-borne disease. The observations came at a roundtable discussion titled "Dengue Situation and Our Responsibilities," organised by Jago News in Dhaka on Saturday. Experts said eliminating mosquito breeding sites, strengthening surveillance, improving healthcare preparedness and changing public behaviour are far more effective than relying solely on fogging operations. Speaking at the event, Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) epidemiologist and Medical Officer Dr Md Tarikul Islam Limon said dengue is no longer confined to the monsoon season and should now be treated as a year-round public health concern. He said more than 70 percent of mosquitoes survive conventional fogging, making source reduction the most effective preventive strategy. Drawing on investigations conducted during last year's dengue outbreak in Barguna, Dr Limon said prolonged water storage in large containers due to shortages of safe drinking water in coastal areas had created ideal breeding grounds for Aedes mosquitoes. He also highlighted significant gaps in disease surveillance, noting that many dengue patients treated at private hospitals and clinics are not included in the national database. He called for stronger integration of public and private health data, year-round entomological surveillance, increased treatment capacity at the upazila level and more evidence-based research. Entomologist Prof Kabirul Bashar of Jahangirnagar University said almost all urban areas in Bangladesh now have Aedes mosquito densities capable of sustaining dengue transmission. He explained that outbreaks occur only when infected individuals introduce the virus into areas where Aedes mosquitoes are already present. Prof Bashar said mosquito breeding sites vary by locality and therefore control measures should be tailored to local conditions rather than applying a single nationwide strategy. He urged households to clean water containers thoroughly at least once a week instead of simply emptying them, noting that mosquito eggs often remain attached to container surfaces. Dr Nishat Parvin, Deputy Chief Health Officer of Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC), stressed that public participation remains the cornerstone of dengue prevention despite advances in chemical, biological and genetic mosquito control methods. She said rapid urbanisation, waterlogging, climate change and poor public awareness continue to undermine mosquito control efforts. According to DSCC's pre-monsoon larval survey conducted between May 12 and 23, 27 of the city's 75 wards were identified as high-risk, while another 36 were classified as medium-risk. The survey found the highest proportion of mosquito larvae in multi-storey buildings, followed by standalone houses and construction sites. She said DSCC has introduced biological larvicides alongside conventional insecticides and launched monthly "Cleaning Day" campaigns to encourage residents to eliminate stagnant water around their homes. Dr Ayesha Akter, Deputy Director of the 250-bed TB Hospital, said preventing mosquito breeding remains the most effective way to reduce dengue cases. She urged people to regularly scrub flower pots, refrigerator trays, air-conditioner drainage trays and other water-holding containers, as mosquito eggs can survive on container surfaces even after water is removed. Public health expert Dr Mushtaq Hossain warned that Bangladesh could face a more severe dengue situation unless the disease is addressed as a public health emergency. He recommended establishing rapid response teams to investigate outbreak hotspots, improving access to NS1 diagnostic testing and strengthening primary healthcare services, particularly in rural areas. He also proposed forming a national command and control centre involving multiple ministries to coordinate dengue prevention and response efforts. Bangladesh Health Reporters Forum President Pratik Ijaz criticised the continued failure to implement expert recommendations made over the past two decades. He said weak coordination between the health sector and local government, combined with inadequate monitoring and poor implementation, has allowed dengue to spread beyond Dhaka to the rest of the country. Addressing the discussion, DGHS Additional Director General (Planning and Development) Prof Dr Fowara Tasnim said the government had initiated preventive measures before the dengue season began. She said all government hospitals have dengue testing facilities, while fee ceilings have been set for private hospitals to ensure affordable diagnostic services. She added that dengue treatment guidelines have been distributed nationwide and healthcare professionals are receiving regular training. "There is no shortage of saline, diagnostic kits or other essential supplies," she said, emphasising that long-term prevention requires active participation from every citizen. Renowned physician Prof Dr ABM Abdullah said there is no specific antiviral treatment or vaccine currently available for routine dengue prevention. He cautioned against the unnecessary use of antibiotics, platelet transfusions and unproven remedies such as papaya leaf extract unless clinically indicated. He urged people to seek medical attention promptly if they develop fever during the dengue season and stressed that NS1 testing within the first few days of illness can help ensure early diagnosis and treatment. Prof Abdullah also said dengue can no longer be considered solely a Dhaka-centric disease, as it has spread across both urban and rural Bangladesh. He emphasised that sustained public awareness, destruction of mosquito breeding sites and coordinated efforts involving government agencies and citizens are essential to keeping dengue under control. The discussion was moderated by Jago News Editor KM Ziaul Haque.

An elderly woman was killed after being struck by a train while crossing a railway track in the Ruhia area of Thakurgaon district on Saturday. The deceased was identified as Hobijan Begum,70, wife of the late Siraj Uddin of Ghanibishtapur village under Ruhia Police Station. The accident occurred at around 1:45 pm when Hobijan was crossing the railway line and was hit by the Dhaka-bound Panchagarh Express, which had departed from Panchagarh, police said. The impact threw her beneath the train, severing her right leg. Officer-in-Charge of Ruhia Police Station Md Badiuzzaman said she was rescued and taken to the 250-bed Thakurgaon General Hospital, where the on-duty doctor declared her dead.

Women and Children Affairs and Social Welfare Minister Prof Dr A Z M Zahid Hossain on Saturday said the government will introduce the Family Card programme in every upazila across the country within the next 10 to 12 weeks. Speaking to reporters after an exchange meeting at the Divisional Social Services Office in Rangpur, he said people will not have to run from office to office to obtain the card, as the government will ensure it reaches eligible households. "The government is working to fulfil its electoral commitments and improve the welfare of all citizens. We urge people to keep confidence in the government," he said. The minister said government representatives will visit households to collect information, which will then be uploaded to a central database. A software system will verify the information to ensure transparency and impartiality in selecting beneficiaries. He said every family will receive a Family Card, while beneficiaries of government welfare programmes will be selected through a Proxy Means Test (PMT)-based scoring system. Dr Zahid also highlighted the government's efforts to improve education for persons with disabilities, saying around 1,700 educational institutions for children with disabilities have been inspected since he assumed office on February 18. He said schools that meet or closely comply with government standards will be considered for approval, with the government planning to establish at least one standard institution for students with disabilities in every district and upazila. The minister noted that students with disabilities, particularly those using sign language, face a shortage of qualified teachers as only one college in the country currently trains teachers for special education. "The government is working to address this shortage. While it may not be possible to immediately bring all special schools under the programme, we aim to ensure at least one approved institution in every district and upazila," he said. Earlier in the day, during his visit to Rangpur and Lalmonirhat, the minister inspected Dhap Kellaband Hafizia Madrasa and Lillah Boarding, the Government Children's Home (Girls), the Regional Training Centre and the Divisional Social Services Office.

Five women were injured after a group of people allegedly attacked, vandalised and attempted to occupy the family home of former Savar unit Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) General Secretary Mahabub Hossain Sami, a day after his arrest, according to his family on Friday. On Saturday, Shirin Akter filed a written complaint with Savar Model Police Station, accusing several people, including Sathi Akter, Sohrab, Nilufa Yasmin, James Gomes alias Gupta Kajol, Shakib, Rakib and Monir, along with a number of unidentified individuals. According to the complaint, the accused entered the house over a land dispute and carried out vandalism, looting and an attempt to occupy the property. The complaint also alleged that the attackers assaulted women in the house. Five women, including Rumi Akter and Minara Begum, were injured in the incident and admitted to Savar Upazila Health Complex. The family alleged that the attack was led by Sathi Akter, wife of alleged drug trader Shamim Reza, who is also the complainant in the case under which Mahabub Hossain Sami was arrested. They claimed the attack was planned and carried out following his arrest. Investigation Officer of Savar Model Police Station Nur Mohammad said police have received the written complaint and visited the scene. "Legal action will be taken after an investigation," he said.

Commerce, Industries, Textiles and Jute Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir on Saturday said the government is implementing a range of development programmes to improve people's living standards and build disaster-resilient infrastructure, with particular focus on agriculture, irrigation, communication and disaster management. Speaking as the chief guest at a programme in Sylhet Sadar, he said the government's development strategy prioritises sustainable infrastructure and social protection to strengthen resilience against natural disasters. The event marked the distribution of GR rice and cash assistance among farmers, poor and vulnerable people affected by recent natural disasters, as well as the foundation stone-laying ceremony for the Rajargaon Jamiul Uloom Madrasa Flood Shelter project. Muktadir said around 2,000 beneficiaries will receive 30 kg of rice each under the ongoing relief programme, while nearly 700 people will receive cash assistance of Tk 1,000 each. He said the three-storey Rajargaon Jamiul Uloom Madrasa and Flood Shelter will serve as an educational institution during normal times and function as a shelter during floods and other natural disasters after its completion. The building will include separate rooms and bathrooms for women, children, elderly people and persons with disabilities to ensure safe accommodation during emergencies, he added. The Minister said an infrastructure development project worth approximately Tk 8.7 crore is currently being implemented to strengthen disaster resilience and improve overall development in the area. He also said the government has approved another project worth nearly Tk 50 billion for the development of roads, construction of new road networks, installation of drainage systems and tube wells across Sylhet division. The government is also taking steps to bring fallow land under cultivation by addressing temporary waterlogging and irrigation shortages, he said. Muktadir added that canal excavation programmes will be expanded to strengthen irrigation facilities, enabling year-round cultivation on agricultural land in Sylhet. He expressed hope that the phased implementation of these projects would resolve many of the region's longstanding problems and improve the quality of life for local residents. The programme was chaired by Sylhet Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer Khoshnur Rubaiyat. Among others present were Sylhet City Corporation Administrator Abdul Qayyum Chowdhury, Sylhet Development Authority Chairman Rezaul Hasan Qayes Lodi, Sylhet Zila Parishad Administrator Abul Kaher Chowdhury Shamim, Sylhet city BNP General Secretary Emdad Hossain Chowdhury, Sylhet Sadar Upazila BNP President Abul Kashem, government officials, elected representatives and journalists.

The government aims to set in motion a "revolution" in the country's health sector within this year, reaffirming its commitment to improving healthcare services, Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md. Sakhawat Hossain said on Saturday. He also stressed the need for integrity in public service, saying every official must work honestly and that corruption and bribery would not be tolerated. The minister made the remarks while addressing the 31st annual general meeting of the Narsingdi Diabetic Association at the Shishu Academy Auditoruim on Saturday afternoon. Sakhawat said a 50-bed dialysis centre would be established at every medical college hospital across the country. He also said more doctors and healthcare workers would be recruited by strengthening community clinics at the union level, while family planning centres would be upgraded. "We are undertaking new programmes in every sector to improve people's lives and ensure Bangladesh stands tall on the world stage," he said, adding that the current budget is "a budget of ideals" and that every initiative would be implemented free from corruption. The minister also announced that Narsingdi Medical College will begin academic activities this year with an initial intake of 50 students. Until permanent facilities are built, the students will attend classes at the Narsingdi Nursing Institute, while the institute's classes will be shifted to the new building of the 250-bed district hospital. He said the government is currently identifying a suitable site for the medical college's permanent campus, after which construction of the new academic building will begin. Sakhawat further said one of the 18 state-of-the-art hospitals to be built across Bangladesh with Chinese assistance will be established in Narsingdi, preferably in or around the district town. Narsingdi Deputy Commissioner and President of the Narsingdi Diabetic Association Israt Jahan Keya presided over the programme, which was inaugurated by Narsingdi Sadar MP Khairul Kabir Khokon. Among others, MPs Manjur Elahi (Narsingdi-3, Shibpur) and Ashraf Uddin Bakul (Narsingdi-5, Raipura), Zilla Parishad Chairman Tofazzal Hossain, and other local dignitaries attended the event.